Search This Blog

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Olden days & today + 2 more

Baba
Olden days & today

Namaskar, 

In today’s society, there are a lot of advancements in the physical sphere, and that pushes one to be involved in crude things, thereby degenerating oneself. On one side, due to the development of science in the present day society, there are so many avenues by which people are degenerating their mind. Things which degrade the mind are easily available all around. At the same time, for good people there are many positive things which are also now easily available and that are very helpful for one’s psychic and spiritual progress. So in this era, degeneration is easily achieved, and psycho-spiritual progress can also be more easily achieved than ever before. 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

More advancement more degeneration


In ancient times, there was limited scope for degeneration from the spiritual path. But today, with advancement in the physical sphere, there is larger scope for degeneration. We see how various types of munitions people are killing other human beings. Indeed, people harm others at every step using various means; and, where not harming others, they degenerate themselves by various means as well. In ancient times, one could kill another human with stones, but by using stones how many people will they kill? Whereas nowadays with mass shootings and mass killings that number is far, far higher. In ancient times, if one was using a stone to kill another person, then both had access stones. So everything was available to all. But now that is not the case. One person goes in public places and starts to shoot when those present do not have any access to weapons or shields etc for defending themselves.

Analogy of travel by ship, versus swimming


In today’s society, which has achieved so much progress in the material sphere, why take the spiritual approach of those of ancient times---nature worship. When the revolutionary process of Ananda Marga sadhana is there one should follow it. Take the analogy of travel by ship, versus swimming. If 100 persons swim to go from one end of the ocean to another, then a few may reach but so many may die during their journey. But a wise person will travel via ship instead. So in the same way, we should follow Ananda Marga sadhana -- and not idol worship or religious rituals.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Religion is against dharma


Religions do not preach dharma. In the name of religion, they say if you do such and such then you will get more money, you will pass in exams, your daughter’s marriage will be done etc. This way they cheat. Religion does not teach that the goal is Parama’tma’. In Ananda Marga, in the very first step itself, it is taught that one should never be selfish, but rather should think about the welfare of all, seeing all as manifestations of Brahma. Whereas in religions due to ignorance people blindly follow certain dogmatic rituals to obtain materialistic things. 

Nonetheless, among hundreds of millions of religious followers, there may be a precious few who become bhaktas because of their good samskara and bhakti for Parama’tma’. Slowly by doing bhajan and ideation they get involved deeply over time and start to devote more and more of their life for Parama’tma’. So even without Ananda Marga sadhana, some people may slowly progress spiritually. It is similar to the aforementioned analogy about swimming or going by rowboat instead of using a more advanced mode of transportation like an ultra-modern steel ship.

Parama’tma’ is all-merciful and gracious. When He sees that one has strong bhakti for Him, then He introduces the sadhaka to Ananda Marga. It is akin to how if a child is trying to walk, but is falling after many tries, then the parents help the child, and thereafter the child walks on its own. Parma’tma’ sees everything, so when He sees bhakti in bhaktas then He shows them the right path, Ananda Marga.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

 
Diverted from sadhana

Even within AMPS we see that some are crude. The reason is that their negative samskaras are so dominant that it suppresses their bhakti. The sadhaka had some bhakti and that is why Baba brought him/her to the path of Ananda Marga, but now the sadhaka’s mind is occupied by various samskaras: 
  • Inborn negative samskaras
  • Imposed negative samskaras
  • Earned negative samskaras
That is why they lost the track of sadhana for the time being. Like when one goes to an airport to go to another destination, one had the intention to go to another destination that is why one has come to the airport, but now s/he is sitting in the airport forgetting that s/he has to go to another destination. 

When people are diverted from their path of sadhana, either others help them to come back to the right path, or they face some tragedy in life to open their eyes. Sometimes it takes much longer for people to realize this fact. The tragedy reminds the sadhaka that Parama’tma’ is everything in life and the things one is running after are just momentary.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In Him,
Nirakar

Importance of Ananda Marga sadhana

In different ages of human history there were a number of rśis who were there to advance the society spiritually. It is not that all rśis were born at one time, nor that during some periods no rśis were present. To move the world forward we see a number of rśis throughout the ages of human evolution to guide people forward.

People carry spiritual growth from one birth to another; that is how some became great with their spiritual effort from many births. But now with the advanced sadhana process given by Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, one can progress spiritually at a much faster rate compared to thousands of years ago. So the difference between the spiritual progress in ancient times compared with that which can be achieved today is one of speed.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 

*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

I ran after mirages

“Priyatam ama’r ghare eso, a’loy purn’ kore...” (Prabhat Samgiita #3776)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, my Priyatama, dearmost Parama Purusa, please come to me in my home and fulfill my age-old longing. Kindly grace me and satiate my eternal desire. Come joyously with Your sweet smile and heart-rending, most attractive lips, and fulfill my longing.

O’ Parama Purusa Baba, I do not want anything from You; I only want to surrender everything unto Your feet and offer myself fully. I wish to be ensconced in Your tune and melody with Your ideation in hundreds of ways and march on that path which is the most pleasing for You. I request to be submerged in Your shravana, manana, nidhidhyásana, japa and dhyana. Parama Purusa, please come in my abode.

O’ Parama Purusa Baba, I desired many things in the past. Sadly, I wasted a lot of time running after mirages. I was engrossed in so many dogmas and temporary and ephemeral allurements, thinking they are my permanent shelter. In the past I was drowned in defective ideas, committing blunders seeing some human beings as low and some high. I spread casteism, racism, and narrow sentiments etc, and wasted so much time and money. My whole life drifted far from the path of righteousness. Please come to me, in my cottage and bless me.

Baba, now by Your grace I have understood that only You are the eternal Bandhu. Please come to my abode...

Note for Prabhat Samgiita #3776:

[1] Shravana, Manana, Nididya’sana: Here following are the great import of these three devotional practices.

Ananda Marga ideology states, “To attain Him human beings have to take recourse to shravana (constantly hearing His name), manana (constantly ideating on Him) and nididya’sana (constantly meditating on Him). The Supreme Entity is Gurha, that is, He is lying hidden in the innermost recess of the human entity. To attain Him one must penetrate deep within oneself, and for that the development of an introversial outlook is essential.”  (1)

Reference
1. Tattva Kaomudi – 3, Integral and Non-Integral Outlook

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

How to fix: gurumanta

Namaskar, 

In spiritual life, ideation on the Great is very important; Cosmic ideation is the main thing, but all too often human beings forget the Supreme Entity in the course of their daily duties. In His discourse, Baba has given a very simple method for sadhakas to remember their Guru mantra. Baba’s guideline is that to remember anything then one should associate it with a particular physical action. 

For example, when entering or leaving the home then it is important to repeat Guru mantra. But often we forget, while only sometimes we remember. The solution then is to employ a physical action that will trigger your memory to recite Guru mantra. So when leaving or entering the house, then do namaskar mudra before touching the door. And this namaskar mudra will automatically alert the mind to recite Guru mantra. So the first step is to cultivate the habit of doing namaskar mudra before touching the door. Once this habit is established, then you will be regular in repeating Guru mantra when entering and leaving the house. And the operative point is the use of the namaskar mudra as a reminder for doing Guru mantra. 

Naturally, this same technique can be instilled at various junctures throughout the day such as when getting on a bicycle, taking food, going to sleep, answering the phone etc. When a physical action like namaskar mudra is done before those engagements, then one will automatically recite Guru mantra. Try this in your own life and see how it goes. 

Without the use of a physical reminder, then most of the time sadhakas forget their Guru mantra. And that is a problem because imbibing the mind with Cosmic ideation is the main essence in the life of a sadhaka. 

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Namaskára is done by bringing the palms together and touching the ájiṋá cakra [the mid-point of the eyebrows] with the thumbs.” (1)

In Him, 
Viniit Deva

Reference
1. Caryácarya Part 1, Methods of Salutation


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How British struck down India

Baba says, "The British rulers were very clever. Instead of attacking the Indian Práńa Dharma directly, they resorted to the path of diplomacy. They believed that to maintain British rule in India they would have to create a group of native supporters who would remain Indian by birth and complexion but European in manners, customs, education, taste and culture. So they introduced a system of education based on their own British system. This was an obvious attempt to strike a blow at Indian Práńa Dharma. As a result, the people of India forgot their distinctive national characteristics and developed a completely Western outlook. The moral, spiritual and social qualities that were developed through the Indian system of education were ignored. Rather, Indian youth, under the influence of materialistic Western civilization, grew cynical, materialistic and atheistic. A class of educated persons was created who were neither English nor Indians. Many of them were employed in the Indian Civil Service. A certain scholar once remarked that the Indian Civil Service “is neither Indian, nor civil, nor service.” These people became alienated from the mainstream of Indian social life because their conduct, behaviour, customs, manners, thoughts and ideals were different from those of other Indians. This neo-class of people with modern education could not regard the simple, innocent masses of rural India as their own. The clever English rulers trained them in such a subtle way that they looked upon the British as being nearer to them than the Indians. The imperialistic British purpose was served: colonial rule was firmly established." (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 6, Práńa Dharma

== Section 4: Links ==
Recent postings
Other topics of interest

Baba ji + 4 more

Baba
Baba ji

Namaskar,

One day Baba graced me by giving me the opportunity to see Him in an intimate and unique setting. I was blessed with the duty of picking Him up from the airport. So that morning I took Guru mantra and drove in my car to the airport to receive Him. Atmanandaji and other margiis were also in the car. 

We arrived at the airport early and waited. Then, Sadguru Baba and His entourage were in sight. It was so beautiful to see Him. We escorted Baba to my car and arranged a special place for Him to sit. When we were sure He was comfortable, we departed from the airport. I could only think how graced I was to be driving Baba in my own car en route to the house where He was to stay.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Receiving at airport

During the ride, Baba started talking to Atmanandaji and He told that, “There is a Punjabi speaking margii from Bangalore who addresses Me as "Babaji." Hearing this I immediately became acutely aware. Although I knew that Baba was not speaking about me because I was living in Mumbai, instead Baba was referring to a margii brother in Bangalore, I was extremely interested to hear what Baba was going to say about being called "Babaji."

So Baba was telling that, "There is a margii from Bangalore raised in the Punjabi tradition, and that margii addresses me as Babaji." I was listening intently.

Baba continued, "Although this margii's intention may be pure, actually I do not feel comfortable being called Babaji. The suffix -ji is a formality; it creates distance. With margiis I have a family relation; ours is a personal relation, so they should address me as "Baba." There is no need to add the suffix -ji, rather by doing so I feel uncomfortable."

That was what Baba was telling that day while I was driving Him in my car. Although Baba did not directly point me out on this, I got the lesson. Since then I stopped adding "ji" when addressing Him - either in person or in sadhana etc. I understood that using "Baba" is a more personal, familial way to relate with Him. And that was His preference too.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

From that day forward, I would always address Him simply as "Baba." I can never forget the great care and love Baba displayed in giving me this important lesson. Still today, I feel completely blessed.


Why Baba commented

In the 1950's and 60's when I initially came into Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha, I was calling Baba as "Babaji". Although I was living in Mumbai, I was raised in the Punjabi tradition. Since my childhood I learned that to whom you respect you must add the suffix "ji" to their name when you address them. It was understood that one should not just call a respected person simply by their name. We all were taught to add the suffix "ji". And it was well known that if you do not add the suffix "ji" to the name of a respected person, then people would think you are dumb and uncultured. This was the tradition in which I was raised.

Naturally, since I had great reverence and regard for Sadguru Baba, initially I was calling Him, "Babaji". Out of respect, I added the suffix -ji to His name. I thought just calling Him "Baba" would be uncultured. In fact, I was feeling uncomfortable when I heard others simply calling Him "Baba", without using the suffix ji. This was my manner and way of thinking those days.

Now, however, by Baba’s grace I understand things differently. In our social life members of the same family do not add formalities (i.e. special prefixes and suffixes) when addressing one another. They do not say "Shrii", or "-ji",or "Mister", or "Sir" or any other title. They feel close to one another and address each other accordingly. And we do the same with Baba because He is our nearest and dearest relation. 

Certainly though when referring to Baba in a lecture to the general public we will say "Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji" or use some other formal address. But that is only because we are speaking with the common people and they should understand that the Marga Guru should be referred to in a most respectful manner etc. We have to teach them this point. However, when sadhakas and bhaktas address Him personally, we just say "Baba."
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion: family relation


As Ananda Margiis, we have a very close and intimate relations with Him. The very process of sadhana removes any and all boundaries, barriers, and complexes between the sadhaka and Parama Purusa. That is how we come to feel Him as the nearest and dearest One. That is why we simply address Him as “Baba.” 

Ananda Marga ideology says, "The Entity whom you are trying to attain – Parama Puruśa – is your own innermost self. Your relation with Him is not external, to be defined by courts, laws, or society. It is a family relationship...Your relation with God is personal. No one can sever this relationship. It is part of your being, your birthright." (1)

Namaskar,
In Him,
Madhukar

Ananda Marga ideology says, "In the scriptures the state of feeling insignificant beside the vastness of Parama Puruśa is called “mahimnabodh”. One is uncertain how to approach Him, unsure how to speak to Him...spiritual aspirants should not give this sort of inferiority complex and scope to develop in the mind." (2)

The above is the first-hand account of a senior margii, Laksmi Chand Anand, of Mumbai, India. 

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam, Part 23, Your Personal Relationship with God
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, The Lord of Mortality and Immortality

Plagiary?

It is the accepted international standard and Baba's system not to copy another's work and publish it in your own way. Baba has given a very strict rule on plagiarism. Why is Baba against plagiarism or stealing someone's work? There are many reasons:

1) It is against the code of asteya (non-stealing).

2) Countless stories of bhaktas need to be published. But some do not want to do the hard work of compiling and writing these stories, so they just steal them from others. But new stories need to be told, otherwise so many unpublished stories of sadhakas will be lost and forgotten forever. So watch out for story thieves, and kindly help them not to steal by posting on social media in their own way. If you want to forward this story then attach the following yellow section with the story: 

“Courtesy of unknown bhakta via Ananda Marga Universal (https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/)”

This will be treated as the standard protocol.



*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

I also went to Jamalpur but

"Tomáy khunje khunje priya, din je ket́e jáy..." (Prabhat Samgiita #3982)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, with deep longing in search of You, my days are passing in vain. In the absence of getting You, my whole life is being wasted. Where have I not looked. I have wandered around seeking You in the seven oceans, on the mountain peaks, as well as across this earth, and also in the caves - in every nook and corner of this world, but alas I could not get You.  

O’ Parama Purusa Baba, day and night, secretly I sought You in the flower garden, forests, and in various, so-called holy lands and “tiirthas” like - Tiljala, Jamalpur, Varanasi, Puri, Mecca, Rome, Jerusalem; and I also went to Ananda Nagar, and the top of the Himalayan mountain ranges etc. All done with the ardent desire of getting a glance at You. I checked all over with the hope that one day I will find You. But, in the end, all my efforts were for naught.  

O’ Parama Purusa Baba, with deep bhakti in my heart, I have scoured the galaxies, meteors, nebulae, and in the stars - everywhere. I also explored the dark, black-coloured clouds on rainy days, the scorching heat of the summer season, and the shade of the trees in springtime. Baba, I have called for You with a deep yearning and prema in my core - and looked for You everywhere.
 
Parama Purusa, in the end, on one colourful golden dawn, saturated in the refulgence and aroma of a newly blossoming floret, You arrived after a long, deep, dark, and painful night. Alas, in the end, You are here in my heart. Baba, my most adorable One, You are so gracious...


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Tips to understand dharmic teachings

Ananda Marga ideology, “Saḿgacchadhvaḿ” “moving together” does not mean march or double march, here “moving together” means that all portions of society, all portions of the collective body, should have the spirit to move ahead. Suppose you have gathered sufficient money, and there is no dearth of food in your house, but the remaining portion of society, your neighbours, your friends, are suffering from a dearth of money, or food, or clothes. Then it means that you are not following the spirit of “saḿgacchadhvam”. “Saḿgacchadhvam” means to build a strong, well-knit society where there shall be no exploitation, no superiority complex or inferiority complex.” (1)

In all realms, Baba's teachings are crystallized points of dharma - very concise. So to properly understand any guideline or teaching, it demands a little concentration or mental thought. For example a group of fools may think that by walking together to McDonald's for a hamburger they are following samgacchadvam, since they are all "moving together". But that has nothing to do with samgacchadvam.

Here the point is that a literal interpretation of Guru's teachings will never work. Rather, a greater explanation is needed to get the proper picture. That is why when Baba has given the pin-pointed sutras of Ananda Sutram, then side by side He also gives a purport so that those distilled teachings, i.e. sutras, can be understood in the proper way. This should be done with each and every aspect of Sixteen Points. Because Guru's teaching is distilled and given in seed form.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, Saḿgacchadhvaḿ


== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

Creating factions is not the purpose of dharma


Original Ananda Vanii states: “The purport of Dharma Sádhaná is to look upon every person, every object of this universe as one integral entity. To jeopardize the unity of the human race by creating factions is not the purpose of Dharma. Those who encourage vested interests survive on the mental weaknesses of people and their dissensions, and that is why they are scared of the spread of the ideals of Dharma and exhibit their intolerance towards it in all sorts of immoral ways, such as abuse, false propaganda and lies. People must not be cowed by this, they have got to march ahead. It is to be borne in mind that hindrances are beneficial to human beings on the path of righteousness and to continue to fight against them is what is sádhaná.” (Ananda Vanii #4)

Note: Sadguru Baba has assigned a number to all His original and true Ananda Vaniis. In contrast, Fake Ananda Vaniis do not have any number. By this simple formula, one can easily recognise which is a true Ananda Vanii and which is fake. For the upcoming occasion of January 1st 2017, all Ananda Marga units should use one of Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis, not a fake one. By this way, one will surely get His blessing.


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Which is worse: Animals in animal form or animals in human form

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Animals are guided by instincts. They do not know the why and the how of things. Human beings, on the other hand, are led by the mind. Animals cannot go beyond their instincts. In case of [great] intellectual clash, however, the animal mind, like the human, gets more subtle. This is generally found to occur with those animals who remain in contact with humans. But the development that is discernible in this case is not spiritual, it is simply intellectual. Dogs and monkeys who are trained, for instance, can be made a bit [more intelligent] than other ones."

"Human beings, on the other hand, have the capacity to develop even in the spiritual realm. Those who do not pay heed to this special gift are animals, nay, even worse than animals. Animals are unable to make efforts for their spiritual development, whereas humans do have this ability." (1)

Note: Here above Baba is pointing out some of the basic differences between humans and animals. Animals are dominated by instinct, whereas humans are mind dominated and have the capacity to grow spiritually. Even then, tragically, some degenerated human beings surrender this cherished human quality and foolishly submit their existence at the altar of instinct. Even though they possess a human mind they live like animals - always in the grip of their baser propensities. Verily they are worse than animals. By Baba's causeless grace we are fortunate that to have been blessed with a human body and mind, and with the tools of spiritual sadhana so that we can progress and become divine, by His grace.

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 24, Mysticism and Spirituality


== Section 3: Links ==
Recent postings
Other topics of interest

SUBJECTS TOPICS